Main World.
Autumn, Konoha Year Twenty-Two.
Heavenly Court, Void Gate.
A pale golden curtain of light slowly swirled overhead, enveloping the entire space in a warm, sacred glow.
The Void Gate stood at the center of the Heavenly Court, ten meters tall and five meters wide, its frame densely engraved with runes. The runes glowed faintly within the curtain of light, giving off a mysterious aura like that of space itself.
Nagato stood before the Void Gate, his dark red hair gleaming purplish-black in the light.
Yahiko stood beside him, his short orange hair as neat as ever.
Konan stood on his other side, her cool face expressionless, but she was folding a paper crane in her hands.
Yutian stood behind them, his deep purple governor's robes immaculate.
Kushina stood to one side, holding Jilan. Jilan had already fallen asleep, his little hand clutching her hair.
Liuli stood beside Toyotomi Yinglang, holding a cup of hot tea.
Kaguya stood in a corner, her long silver-white hair falling to her waist, the light of the Void Gate reflected in her silver-white eyes. Sasori stood at the console, his golden serpent eyes flickering faintly behind his lenses.
"The Void Gate is ready." Toyotomi Yinglang's voice was calm. "The first group, Planet No. 1. Kaguya will lead the way. Nagato, Yahiko, Konan, Yutian, Kushina, Liuli, Sasori, you're going."
Nagato nodded.
"Teacher, we're off."
"Go."
Toyotomi Yinglang waved a hand.
Nagato turned and stepped into the Void Gate. Yahiko followed behind him. Konan followed behind him. Yutian followed behind him. Kushina followed behind him, holding Jilan. Liuli followed behind him. Sasori came last, adjusting his glasses before stepping into the Void Gate.
Light flashed, and their figures disappeared.
Kaguya stood before the Void Gate, looking in the direction where they had vanished. "Will they...